Millionaire’s tax likely headed to 2022 ballot

The millionaire’s tax might finally be headed to the ballot.

As proponents rev up signature collection efforts, naysayers continue to poo-poo the “greedy” surtax with tax revenues and federal stimulus dollars already fattening the state’s piggy bank.

Senate President Karen Spilka and House Speaker Ronald Mariano announced their intention to call for a vote on the income tax amendment next week.

“We stand with the residents of Massachusetts in exploring new ways to increase revenue for the state as we envision and invest in an equitable and hopeful future for the Commonwealth,” legislative leaders said, adding the vote could come Wednesday.

Because the proposed 4% added surtax on income over $1 million requires a constitutional amendment, the measure must pass at two consecutive legislative sessions to land on the ballot. In 2019, it passed by a margin of 147-48.

Paul Diego Craney of the MassFiscal Alliance welcomed the chance to see the roll call of lawmakers voting to raise taxes following a pandemic.

“These greedy politicians have been collecting far more tax dollars than they anticipated, and the federal government is sending Massachusetts more money than they know what to do with,” Craney said.

The Raise Up Coalition, which has for years pitched the measure as an opportunity to levy equity in services and policies, said its signature collection campaign is already in “full swing.”

 

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/3wWC18G